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Religious Support

A prisoner's right to religious support

The Corrections Act 1986 guarantees prisoners the right to practice their religion of choice. Religious support enables prisoners to:

• keep in contact with their families and the community
• maintain links with their faith community
• access support in times of crisis.

Prison management may deny a prisoner access to religious support if they determine that it would affect the good order and security of the prison.

Access to religious practice

Prisoners have access to religious services. A prisoner or family member can also request access to a relevant religious adviser if the prisoner is seriously ill or experiencing a severe emotional crisis.

Religious services

Since the 1850s the major Christian denominations have provided chaplaincy services to Victorian prisoners. Since the 1990s, religious advisers representing Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Orthodox and Uniting beliefs have also provided services.

Coordination of services

In 1965 the Chaplains Advisory Committee (CAC) was established to provide advice and a forum for discussion on chaplaincy services between churches and prison managers. The CAC, Corrections Victoria and other prison providers meet regularly to discuss issues of concern.